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Board directs district to identify alternatives if federal education funding is reduced
Summary
The Christina School District Board of Education voted 6–1 on Feb. 11 to instruct district staff to identify alternative funding sources — including designing a referendum if necessary — to cover programs paid for with federal funds, and to present those alternatives by the July 2025 board meeting.
The Christina School District Board of Education on Feb. 11 approved a motion directing district staff to identify alternative funding sources, including designing a referendum if needed, to cover costs currently paid with federal funding if that funding is reduced or eliminated. The motion passed on a 6–1 vote.
Board member Douglas Manley moved the directive and later withdrew an initial deadline of June 1 before restating the motion with a deadline of presentation by the July 2025 board meeting. Mark Moriac seconded the restated motion. The board adopted the measure after discussion about timing and coordination with the state.
Supporters said the district should plan proactively in case federal funding is cut. “I don't want to use hope as a strategy,” Manley said, urging planning so “we don't leave the kids ... paying for it.” Board member Monica Moriac and others said a July timeline would allow staff to incorporate potential state budget actions.
Chief Business Officer Robert Vaca told the board staff already monitor federal developments, would follow U.S. Department of Education guidance and expected to include contingency planning in the preliminary budget presented in July. Vaca estimated the loss of federal funds could amount to about $13 million to $15 million and said plugging a gap of that size would be roughly a 7.5-cent increase in the tax rate if funded by a local tax warrant. Vaca also said preparing a preliminary analysis would not be a significant workload: “It would take me roughly 2 hours to actually put together and prepare for the school board,” he said.
Board members and staff discussed related risks, including that some contracted partners also rely on federal grants and that state-level responses remain uncertain. Superintendent Mark Andrzejewski recommended using the end of the state fiscal year as a planning milestone; the board accepted the July meeting as the reporting deadline.
The motion did not specify which federal programs would be affected; during discussion speakers referenced Title I–IV and other federal grant lines as examples of funding streams the district currently receives.
